Avery’s footsteps stopped on the stairs.

“Dad? Maya?”

Roman moved fast. He fixed his pants, pulled my dress down, and sat back on the couch like nothing had happened. I grabbed my panties from the floor and shoved them under a cushion just as Avery appeared.

“You two look weird,” she said, frowning. “Were you fighting?”

“Just talking about the trip,” Roman answered. His voice was almost steady. “How was your night?”

She shrugged and headed to the kitchen for water. My heart still hammered. Roman’s hand brushed mine once under the cushion. A silent promise.

Later, after Avery finally went to bed, the house grew quiet again. I waited...